University of Nairobi Opens 50+ Courses for KCSE C Plain Students in 2026

The University of Nairobi continues to provide diverse educational pathways for students who attained a C plain grade in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations, offering multiple entry routes into diploma and degree programs for the 2025/2026 academic year.

According to the institution’s admission requirements, students with a KCSE mean grade of C plain can access various academic programs through different qualification combinations, providing flexible options for higher education advancement.

Diploma Program Access

Students who scored a C plain in KCSE qualify directly for diploma courses at the University of Nairobi, which serve as stepping stones to degree programs. These diploma courses span multiple disciplines across the university’s various colleges and faculties.

The university’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences confirms that diploma admission is available to students with a KCSE mean grade of C plain, without requiring additional qualifications. Alternative entry routes include KCSE C- combined with a certificate from a recognized institution, or O-level qualifications with minimum Division III.

Available diploma programs include options in Mass Communication, International Studies, Strategic Studies, Early Childhood Education, Business Management, Public Relations, Human Resource Management, Project Planning and Management, and various specialized fields across different faculties.

Pathway to Degree Programs

Perhaps more significantly for C plain holders, the university offers clear progression routes to bachelor’s degree programs. Students with a KCSE mean grade of C plain who possess a diploma from a recognized institution qualify for admission to undergraduate degree programs.

This pathway enables C plain students to first complete a diploma program and subsequently pursue a bachelor’s degree, effectively creating a continuous educational trajectory despite not meeting the standard C+ requirement for direct degree entry.

Specific Program Requirements

Different faculties maintain varying specific requirements. For instance, the School of Business accepts students with a C plain for programs including Bachelor of Commerce, provided they hold a diploma from a recognized institution. Similarly, the Faculty of Arts offers entry to Bachelor of Arts programs under the same conditions.

The School of Nursing Sciences specifies that holders of Diploma of Kenya Registered Nurse or Kenya Registered Community Nurse with a KCSE mean grade of C plain qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing upgrading program.

For the Bachelor of Arts in Design program, students with KCSE C plain can gain admission if they possess a diploma from the Kenya National Examination Council in Art, Design, Computer Aided Design, or Design related Digital Technology with a credit pass.

Certificate Programs as Foundation

Students seeking to build qualifications progressively can begin with certificate programs, which require only a KCSE mean grade of C- or equivalent. Upon completing a certificate program, students can advance to diploma level, and subsequently to degree programs.

This three-tier progression system—certificate, diploma, then degree—provides comprehensive educational mobility for students across all KCSE grade ranges.

Application Process and Intakes

The University of Nairobi operates three main intake periods annually. The primary intake occurs in September/October for all courses, with additional intakes in December/January and April/May for selected programs. All diploma and certificate courses are included in the April/May intake.

Prospective students apply through the university’s online application portal at application.uonbi.ac.ke, where they create personal profiles, upload academic certificates, and pay the prescribed application fees.

Financial Considerations

Diploma program fees vary by discipline, ranging from approximately KES 100,000 to KES 214,000 for the complete program duration. Certificate programs are considerably more affordable, with fees around KES 24,000 to KES 47,700 depending on the specific course.

International students from non-Kenyan backgrounds are typically required to pay an additional 20% on stated fees, with amounts payable in US dollars.

Meeting National Education Goals

These flexible admission pathways align with national objectives to expand access to higher education and create alternative routes for students who may not achieve top KCSE grades but possess the motivation and capability for university-level study.

Career experts emphasize that while grades provide one measure of academic achievement, the skills and knowledge acquired through diploma and degree programs, combined with practical experience, ultimately determine career success.

The University of Nairobi, established in 1956 and recognized as Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning, continues to adapt its admission policies to accommodate diverse student backgrounds while maintaining academic standards.

As of publication, prospective students can obtain detailed information about specific program requirements, fee structures, and application procedures through the university’s admissions office at admission@uonbi.ac.ke or by calling +254-20-491-3067/3068/3196.

The 2025/2026 academic year admissions remain ongoing, with the university encouraging eligible students to apply early to secure their preferred programs and intake periods.